While safe roads matter to everyone on a bike, professional cyclists spend more time on them than almost anyone. It's how they make a living. These talented, world-class athletes may seem super-human at times, but they are humans like any of us—vulnerable on the open road.

In this video, five professional U.S. cyclists reflect on their experiences with bicycle safety. Some riders, like Lucas Euser and Craig Lewis, have seen their careers nearly end after severe crashes with people driving cars. Others, like current National Road Race Champion Timmy Duggan, haven't faced such extreme incidents, but still have a vision for better bicycling conditions and motorist-bicyclist interactions. All riders share their lessons and ideas for how our communities can become more bike-friendly and safer for all road users.

Even though these riders are the top 1% of bicyclists, their advice—slow down, be aware, don't blow through red lights, build more infrastructure, get more people riding—applies to anyone who likes to enjoy the simple pleasure of a bike ride.